JP2021510506A - Aerosol generator with plasmonic heating element - Google Patents

Abstract

[Abstract] An aerosol generator (10) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate (16) is provided. The aerosol generator (10) comprises a heating element (18) arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate (16) when it is received by the aerosol generator (10). The heating element (18) contains a plurality of metal nanoparticles arranged to receive light from the light source (20) and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator comprising a heating element arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator.

Numerous electrically actuated aerosol generation systems have been proposed in the art in which an aerosol generator with an electric heating element is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco plug. One purpose of such aerosol generation systems is to reduce known harmful or potentially harmful smoke components of the type produced by tobacco burning and pyrolysis in conventional cigarettes. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the chamber or recess of the aerosol generator. In some known systems, a resistance heating element is received in an aerosol generator to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which it is possible to release volatile components capable of forming an aerosol. At that time, it is inserted into or around the aerosol-forming substrate.

Other known electrically actuated aerosol generation systems are configured to heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, such as a nicotine-containing liquid. Such a system typically comprises a core arranged to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion and a resistance heating element wound around a portion of the core.

Numerous electrically actuated aerosol generation systems with induction heating systems have also been proposed.

However, heating systems in known aerosol generation systems exhibit a number of drawbacks. For example, when using a resistance heating element, it may be difficult to achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate. The difficulty of achieving accurate temperature control is another drawback commonly associated with resistance heating elements. Also, the process of assembling the resistance heating element can lead to resistance loss in the heating element circuit, for example, in the solder connection between the resistance heating track and the power supply circuit.

Induction heating systems also have their own drawbacks. For example, in order to achieve efficient induction heating of the susceptor element while minimizing the power supply to the inductor coil, the inductor coil needs to be positioned as close to the susceptor element as possible. This can make it difficult to design an induction heating aerosol generation system that is efficient and practical to manufacture and use.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with a heating arrangement that alleviates or overcomes at least some of these drawbacks in known devices.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generator for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator comprises a heating element arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when it is received by the aerosol generator. The heating element contains a plurality of metal nanoparticles arranged to receive light from a light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

As used herein, the term "surface plasmon resonance" means the collective resonance oscillation of free electrons in metal nanoparticles, and thus the polarization of charge on the surface of the metal nanoparticles. The collective resonant vibration of free electrons, and thus the polarization of the charge, is excited by the light incident on the metal nanoparticles from the light source. Energy from oscillating free electrons can be dispersed by several mechanisms, including heat. Therefore, when the metal nanoparticles are irradiated by a light source, the metal nanoparticles generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

As used herein, the term "metal nanoparticles" means metal particles with a maximum diameter of about 1 micrometer or less. Further, metal nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when excited by incident light may be known as plasmonic nanoparticles.

As used herein, an "aerosol generator" relates to a device that can interact with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. These volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" means a combination of an aerosol generator and one or more aerosol-forming substrates or aerosol-forming articles for use in the device. The aerosol generation system may include additional components such as a charging unit for electrically operating or recharging an on-board power source within an electric aerosol generator.

Advantageously, the heating element of the aerosol generator according to the invention comprises a plurality of metal nanoparticles arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. Therefore, it is not necessary to electrically connect the heating element to the power source. Advantageously, a heating element that is not electrically connected to a power source can simplify the manufacture of aerosol generators. Advantageously, a heating element that is not electrically connected to a power source can facilitate repair of the heating element, replacement of the heating element, or both.

Advantageously, heating elements arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance can provide more homogeneous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate as compared to resistance heating systems and induction heating systems. For example, the free electrons of metal nanoparticles are excited to the same extent regardless of the angle of incidence of the incident light.

Advantageously, heating elements arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance can provide more localized heating compared to resistance heating systems and induction heating systems. Advantageously, local heating facilitates heating of individual parts or multiple individual aerosol-forming substrates. Advantageously, local heating increases the efficiency of the aerosol generator by increasing or maximizing the transfer of heat generated by the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, local heating can reduce or eliminate unwanted heating of other components of the aerosol generator.

The heating element can be arranged to receive light from an external light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. The external light source may include ambient light. Ambient light can include solar radiation. The ambient light may include at least one artificial light source outside the aerosol generator.

The aerosol generator may include a light source, where the heating element is arranged to receive light from the light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.

Advantageously, providing a light source for the aerosol generator may allow the heating element to generate heat without receiving light from an external light source. Advantageously, providing a light source for the aerosol generator may provide improved control of the irradiation of the heating element. Advantageously, controlling the irradiation of the heating element controls the temperature at which the heating element is heated by surface plasmon resonance.

The light source may be configured to emit at least one of ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light. The light source is preferably configured to emit visible light. Advantageously, a light source configured to emit visible light can be inexpensive, convenient to use, or both.

The light source is preferably configured to emit light containing at least one wavelength of 380 nanometers to 700 nanometers.

The light source is preferably configured for a peak emission wavelength of about 495 nanometers to about 580 nanometers. As used herein, "peak emission wavelength" means the wavelength at which the light source exhibits maximum intensity. Advantageously, peak emission wavelengths from about 495 nanometers to about 580 nanometers are due to surface plasmon resonance, especially when multiple metal nanoparticles contain at least one of gold, silver, platinum, and copper. It can provide maximum heating of the heating element.

The light source may include at least one of a light emitting diode and a laser. Advantageously, the light emitting diodes and lasers may have a compact size suitable for use in aerosol generators. In embodiments where the light source comprises at least one laser, the at least one laser may include at least one of a solid-state laser and a semiconductor laser.

The light source can include multiple light sources. The light source can be the same type of light source. At least a portion of the light source may be a different type of light source. The plurality of light sources may include any combination of light sources of the types described herein.

Advantageously, multiple light sources can facilitate customization of the heating profile generated by the aerosol generator during use.

At least one of the light sources may be a primary light source and at least one of the light sources may be an auxiliary light source. Aerosol generators may be configured to emit light from one or more auxiliary light sources only when one or more primary light sources are not available.

At least one of the light sources may be arranged to illuminate only a portion of the plurality of metal nanoparticles. Each of the plurality of light sources may be arranged to illuminate different parts of the plurality of metal nanoparticles.

The aerosol generator may be configured such that multiple light sources simultaneously illuminate different parts of the plurality of metal nanoparticles. Advantageously, simultaneous irradiation of different portions of the plurality of metal nanoparticles can promote homogeneous heating of the heating element. Advantageously, simultaneous irradiation of different portions of the plurality of metal nanoparticles can facilitate simultaneous heating of the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates.

The aerosol generator may be configured such that multiple light sources illuminate different parts of the plurality of metal nanoparticles at different time points. Advantageously, irradiating different portions of the plurality of metal nanoparticles at different time points can facilitate heating of different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate at different time points. Advantageously, irradiating different portions of the plurality of metal nanoparticles at different time points can facilitate heating of the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates at different time points.

The aerosol generator comprises a power source and a controller configured to supply power from the power source to the light source.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises multiple light sources, the power source may include a single power source arranged to supply power to the plurality of light sources.

In an embodiment in which the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of light sources, the power source may include a plurality of power sources arranged to supply power to the plurality of light sources.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises multiple light sources, the controller may be configured to selectively supply power to at least a portion of the plurality of light sources. The controller may be configured to selectively alter the power supply to at least a portion of the plurality of light sources.

In an embodiment in which the plurality of light sources is configured to illuminate different parts of the plurality of metal nanoparticles to heat the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates, the controller selectively directs power to at least a portion of the plurality of light sources. Can selectively heat at least a portion of a plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates. The controller can selectively vary the power supply to at least a portion of the plurality of light sources to alter the heating ratio of at least a portion of the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates.

Advantageously, the aerosol generator can change the composition of the aerosol delivered to the user by varying the relative heating of at least a portion of the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates.

The aerosol generator preferably includes a user input device. The user input device may include at least one of a push button, a scroll wheel, a touch button, a touch screen, and a microphone. Advantageously, the user input device allows the user to control one or more modes of operation of the aerosol generator. In embodiments where the aerosol generator includes a light source, a controller, and a power source, the user input device allows the user to activate the power supply to the light source, stop the power supply to the light source, or both. Can be.

In an embodiment in which the controller selectively powers at least a portion of the plurality of light sources, the controller selectively powers at least a portion of the plurality of light sources in response to user input received by the user input device. It is preferable that it is configured to do so.

In an embodiment in which the controller is configured to selectively alter the power supply to at least a portion of the plurality of light sources, the controller responds to user input received by the user input device at least of the plurality of light sources. It is preferably configured to selectively change the power supply to a part.

The power source may include a DC power source. The power source may include at least one battery. At least one battery may include a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The power source may include another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. Power sources may require recharging. The power source may have a capacity that allows the storage of sufficient energy for one or more uses of the aerosol generator. For example, the power source is sufficient to allow continuous generation of the aerosol for about six minutes, or multiples of six minutes, of the typical time it takes to smoke a conventional cigarette. May have a large capacity. In another embodiment, the power source may have a predetermined number of smoke absorptions, or a capacity sufficient to allow discontinuous activation.

The controller may be configured to start supplying power from the power source to the light source at the start of the heating cycle. The controller may be configured to terminate the power supply from the power source to the light source at the end of the heating cycle.

The controller may be configured to provide continuous power supply from the power source to the light source.

The controller may be configured to provide an intermittent power supply from the power source to the light source. The controller may be configured to provide a pulsed supply of power from the power source to the light source.

Advantageously, the pulsed supply of power to the light source can facilitate control of the total output from the light source during the period. Advantageously, controlling the total output from the light source during the period can facilitate control of the temperature at which the heating element is heated by surface plasmon resonance.

Advantageously, the pulsed supply of power to the light source can increase the thermal relaxation of free electrons excited by surface plasmon resonance compared to other relaxation processes such as oxidation and reduction relaxation. Therefore, advantageously, the pulsed supply of power to the light source can increase the heating of the heating element. The controller is preferably configured to provide a pulsed supply of power from the power source to the light source such that the time between continuous pulses of light from the light source is about 1 picosecond or less. In other words, the time between the end of each pulse of light from the light source and the next pulse of light from the light source is less than about 1 picosecond.

The controller may be configured to vary the power supply from the power source to the light source. In embodiments where the controller is configured to provide a pulsed supply of power to the light source, the controller may be configured to vary the load cycle of the pulsed power supply. The controller may be configured to vary at least one of the pulse width and the duration of the load cycle.

The aerosol generator may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be arranged to sense the temperature of at least one of the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate during the use of the aerosol generator. Aerosol generators can be configured to change the power supply to the light source in response to changes in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. In an embodiment in which the aerosol generator comprises a power source and a controller, the controller is configured to change the power supply from the power source to the light source in response to changes in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. Is preferable.

Aerosol generators may include one or more optical elements to facilitate the transfer of light from the light source to the heating element. The one or more optical elements may include at least one of an opening, a window, a lens, a reflector, and an optical fiber.

Advantageously, at least one of the openings and windows can facilitate the transfer of light from an external light source to the heating element. The aerosol generator may include a housing, where at least one of the openings and windows is located on the housing.

Advantageously, at least one of the lens, reflector, and optical fiber can focus or focus the light emitted from the light source onto the heating element. Advantageously, concentrating or focusing light on the heating element can increase the temperature at which the heating element is heated by surface plasmon resonance.

The plurality of metal nanoparticles may contain at least one of gold, silver, platinum, copper, palladium, aluminum, chromium, titanium, rhodium, and ruthenium. The plurality of metal nanoparticles may contain at least one metal in elemental form. The plurality of metal nanoparticles may contain at least one metal in the metal compound. The metal compound may include at least one metal nitride.

The plurality of metal nanoparticles preferably contain at least one of gold, silver, platinum, and copper. Advantageously, gold, silver, platinum, and copper nanoparticles can exhibit strong surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with visible light.

Multiple metal nanoparticles can contain a single metal. The plurality of metal nanoparticles may contain a mixture of different metals.

The plurality of metal nanoparticles may include a plurality of first nanoparticles containing a first metal and a plurality of second nanoparticles containing a second metal.

At least a portion of the plurality of metal nanoparticles can each contain a mixture of two or more metals. At least a portion of the plurality of metal nanoparticles may contain a metal alloy. At least a portion of the plurality of metal nanoparticles may each contain a core-shell configuration, wherein the core contains a first metal and the shell contains a second metal.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a light source, it is preferred that the plurality of metal nanoparticles include a number average maximum diameter below the peak emission wavelength of the light source.

The plurality of metal nanoparticles are less than about 700 nanometers, preferably less than about 600 nanometers, preferably less than about 500 nanometers, preferably less than about 400 nanometers, preferably less than about 300 nanometers, preferably about 200 nanometers. It can include a number average maximum diameter of less than a meter, preferably less than about 150 nanometers, preferably less than about 100 nanometers.

The heating element may be formed from a plurality of metal nanoparticles.

The heating element may include a substrate layer and a coating layer located on at least a portion of the substrate layer, the coating layer comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles. Advantageously, the substrate layer can be formed from materials selected for the desired mechanical properties. Advantageously, the coating layer can be formed to optimize the surface plasmon resonance of multiple metal nanoparticles when the coating layer is exposed to light from a light source.

The substrate layer can be formed from any suitable material. The substrate layer may contain a metal. The substrate layer may include multiple layers of polymeric material. The substrate layer may include ceramic.

The substrate layer may be conductive. The substrate layer may be electrically insulated.

The coating layer can be provided on the substrate layer using any suitable process. The coating layer may be formed by depositing a plurality of metal nanoparticles on the substrate layer using a physical vapor deposition process.

The coating layer may be a substantially continuous layer.

The coating layer may contain a plurality of individual regions of metal nanoparticles, and the plurality of individual regions are interleaved with each other on the substrate layer. Advantageously, the plurality of individual regions of the metal nanoparticles can facilitate the heating of the plurality of individual parts of the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the plurality of individual regions of the metal nanoparticles can facilitate the heating of the plurality of individual aerosol-forming substrates.

The aerosol generator may include a light source arranged to illuminate a plurality of individual regions of metal nanoparticles. The aerosol generator may include a plurality of light sources arranged to illuminate a plurality of individual regions of the metal nanoparticles. Each of the plurality of light sources may be arranged to illuminate only one of the individual regions of the metal nanoparticles.

The heating element may include an electrically resistant portion that is arranged to receive power. During use, the power supply to the electrically resistant portion can resist heat the electrically resistant portion. Advantageously, the electrically resistant moiety can provide a source of heat in addition to the heat generated by the surface plasmon resonance of multiple metal nanoparticles.

Multiple metal nanoparticles can form electrically resistant portions.

In embodiments where the heating element comprises a substrate layer and a coating layer, at least one of the substrate layer and the coating layer may form an electrically resistant portion. The substrate layer may contain an electrically resistant material. The electrically resistant material may include at least one of an electrically resistant metal and an electrically resistant ceramic. The substrate layer may be formed from an electrically resistant material. The substrate layer may include a woven fabric material, and the plurality of threads of the electrically resistant material form at least a part of the woven fabric material.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a power source and a controller, the controller is preferably arranged to provide power from the power source to the electrically resistant portion.

Aerosol generators can be arranged to generate heat using an electrically resistant portion, in addition to generating heat by surface plasmon resonance of multiple metal nanoparticles. The aerosol generator may be arranged to generate heat using an electrically resistant portion instead of generating heat by surface plasmon resonance of the plurality of metal nanoparticles.

Aerosol generators can be arranged to generate heat using electrically resistant moieties as a backup for the generation of heat by surface plasmon resonance of multiple metal nanoparticles. For example, an aerosol generator may be arranged to generate heat using an electrically resistant portion when the heating of the plurality of metal nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance is inadequate.

The aerosol generator can be arranged to generate heat using an electrically resistant portion at the beginning of the heating cycle. In other words, the electrically resistant portion can be used to generate heat to raise the temperature of the heating element to the initial operating temperature. The aerosol generator may be arranged to reduce or terminate the power supply to the electrically resistant portion when the temperature of the heating element reaches the initial operating temperature.

The heating element may include a first surface that receives light from a light source and is arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance of multiple metal nanoparticles. The first surface may contain multiple surface features that define the three-dimensional shape. The first surface may include at least one of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions. The first surface can have an undulating shape.

Advantageously, a first surface containing multiple surface features can increase the surface area of the first surface. Advantageously, increasing the surface area of the first surface can increase the heating of multiple metal nanoparticles due to surface plasmon resonance when light is incident on the first surface.

In embodiments where the heating element comprises a substrate layer and a coating layer, the first surface of the substrate layer may define a plurality of surface features and the coating layer is provided on the first surface of the substrate layer. It forms the first surface of the heating element.

The heating element may include a second surface that is arranged to transfer heat to the aerosol-forming substrate during use. The second surface can be on the opposite side of the first surface of the heating element. In an embodiment in which the heating element comprises a substrate layer and a coating layer, the substrate layer has a first surface on which a coating layer is provided to form a first surface of the heating element and a second surface of the heating element. It preferably includes a second surface that forms a surface. The substrate layer preferably contains a thermally conductive material for promoting heat transfer from the coating layer to the second surface of the heating element.

At least a part of the heating element may be porous. Advantageously, the porous portion of the heating element can tolerate airflow through the heating element.

At least a portion of the heating element may be formed from a porous material. At least a portion of the heating element may be formed from the woven fabric material, where a plurality of pores are formed between the threads of the woven fabric material.

At least a part of the heating element may have a porosity. For example, a plurality of pores may be formed in at least a part of the heating element. Multiple pores can be formed using any suitable process. The plurality of pores may be formed using at least one of laser perforation and electric discharge machining.

In embodiments where the heating element comprises a substrate layer and a coating layer, it is preferred that at least a portion of the substrate layer is porous.

The aerosol generator may be provided with a recess for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The indentation may be suitable for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generator may include a housing, which defines the indentation at least partially.

At least part of the heating element can be located within the depression. At least a portion of the heating element may extend into the indentation.

The heating element may at least partially define the recess so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the recess, at least part of the aerosol-forming substrate is received adjacent to the heating element.

Advantageously, positioning at least a portion of the heating element within the recess, or defining at least a portion of the recess with a heating element, transfers heat from the heating element to the aerosol forming substrate during the use of the aerosol generator. Can be promoted.

Aerosol generators may include device connectors for connecting to corresponding article connectors on aerosol-generating articles that include aerosol-forming substrates. The device connector may include at least one of a threaded connector, a bayonet connector, and a snap connector.

The device connector preferably includes a liquid transfer passage arranged to receive the liquid aerosol forming substrate from the aerosol generating article connected to the device connector. The aerosol generator may include a liquid transfer element that communicates with the liquid transfer passage and is arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol forming substrate from the liquid transfer passage toward the heating element. At least a portion of the liquid moving element may be placed in the liquid moving passage. The liquid moving element may include a capillary core.

The aerosol generator may include a liquid storage portion and a liquid aerosol forming substrate disposed within the liquid storage portion. Advantageously, providing an aerosol-forming substrate as part of an aerosol generator may be suitable for providing a compact aerosol generator. Advantageously, providing an aerosol-forming substrate as part of the aerosol generator can simplify the use of the aerosol generator by eliminating the need for the user to carry a separate aerosol generator.

The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably at least one that is replaceable and refillable.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco-flavored compound released from the substrate upon heating.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco-containing and non-tobacco-containing materials.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming body. The term "aerosol former" as used herein is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of aerosols in use. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies include polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and Examples include, but are not limited to, monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

Preferred aerosol-forming bodies are polyhydric alcohols (eg, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin) or mixtures thereof.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a single aerosol-forming body. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies.

The content of the aerosol-forming body of the solid aerosol-forming substrate may exceed 5 percent on a dry weight basis.

The content of the aerosol-forming body of the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 5 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis.

The content of the aerosol-forming body of the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator may include a liquid moving element arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol forming substrate from the storage portion towards the heating element. The liquid moving element may include a capillary core.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain water.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol-forming body. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies are well known in the art for polyhydric alcohols (triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate). Etc.), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanoate, dimethyl tetradecanoate, etc.), but are not limited thereto. A preferred aerosol-forming product is a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerin or polyethylene glycol).

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one of nicotine or a tobacco product. In addition, or as an alternative, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain another target compound for delivery to the user. In embodiments where the liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine, nicotine may be included in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along with the aerosol-forming body.

The aerosol generator may include a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is preferably arranged to heat both the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.

The first aerosol-forming substrate may contain a nicotine donor and the second aerosol-forming substrate may contain an acid donor. During use, the heating element can heat the nicotine and acid donors to generate nicotine-containing vapors and acid vapors. The nicotine vapor and the acid vapor react with each other in the gas phase to generate an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles.

The nicotine donor can include nicotine, a nicotine base, or a nicotine salt.

The nicotine donor may include a first carrier material impregnated with about 1 milligram to about 50 milligrams of nicotine. The nicotine donor may include a first carrier material impregnated with about 1 milligram to about 40 milligrams of nicotine. The nicotine donor preferably comprises a first carrier material impregnated with about 3 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of nicotine. The nicotine donor preferably comprises a first carrier material impregnated with about 6 milligrams to about 20 milligrams of nicotine. The nicotine donor most preferably comprises a first carrier material impregnated with about 8 milligrams to about 18 milligrams of nicotine.

In embodiments where the first carrier material is impregnated with nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine listed herein are the amount of nicotine base or the amount of ionized nicotine, respectively.

The first carrier material may be impregnated with a liquid nicotine or nicotine solution in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent.

The first carrier material may be impregnated with natural or synthetic nicotine.

The acid donor may include organic or inorganic acids.

The acid donor preferably contains an organic acid, more preferably a carboxylic acid, and most preferably an alpha keto acid or 2-oxo acid or lactic acid.

Acid donors are 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, pyruvic acid, 2-oxopentanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid, 2-oxooctanoic acid, lactic acid. , And an acid selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. The acid donor preferably comprises pyruvic acid or lactic acid. The acid donor preferably contains lactic acid.

The acid donor preferably comprises a second carrier material impregnated with acid.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material may be the same or different.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material preferably have a density of about 0.1 g / cubic centimeter to about 0.3 g / cubic centimeter.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material preferably have a porosity of about 15 percent to about 55 percent.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material are glass, cellulose, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly (cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), It may contain one or more of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and BAREX®.

The first carrier material acts as a reservoir for nicotine. The first carrier material is preferably chemically inert to nicotine.

The second carrier material acts as a reservoir for acids. The second carrier material is preferably chemically inert to the acid.

The acid donor is preferably a lactic acid donor containing a second carrier material impregnated with about 2 milligrams to about 60 milligrams of lactic acid.

The lactic acid donor preferably comprises a second carrier material impregnated with about 5 milligrams to about 50 milligrams of lactic acid. The lactic acid donor preferably comprises a second carrier material impregnated with about 8 milligrams to about 40 milligrams of lactic acid. The lactic acid donor most preferably comprises a second carrier material impregnated with about 10 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of lactic acid.

The aerosol generator preferably includes an airflow suction port and an airflow outlet that communicates with the airflow suction port. The aerosol generator preferably comprises at least one airflow passage that provides fluid communication between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. The aerosol generator is preferably arranged so that during use, the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element is received in at least one airflow passage. At least a portion of the heating element is preferably located in at least one airflow passage. In embodiments that include a recess for the aerosol generator to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, the recess can form at least a portion of at least one airflow passage.

The aerosol generator may include an airflow sensor arranged to sense the airflow through the aerosol generator. During use, airflow through the device may indicate that the user is inhaling the aerosol generator. In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises at least one light source, the aerosol generator may be arranged to supply power to the at least one light source when the aerosol generator senses airflow through the aerosol generator. Advantageously, the heating element can be heated only when the user inhales the aerosol generator by supplying power to at least one light source when the airflow sensor senses the airflow through the device. Advantageously, by heating the heating element only when the user sucks the aerosol generator, the aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-forming substrate only when necessary.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator according to the first aspect of the present invention, according to any of the embodiments described herein. Further, the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generating article including an aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generating device is configured to receive at least a part of the aerosol generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles may include any of the aerosol-forming substrates described herein with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a recess, the recess is preferably arranged to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a device connector, the aerosol generating article preferably comprises an article connector configured to connect to the device connector. The article connector may include at least one of a threaded connector, a bayonet connector, and a snap connector.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an article housing, where the aerosol-forming substrate is placed within the article housing. An aerosol-generating article with an article housing may also be referred to as a cartridge.

The article housing preferably defines an article air inlet and an article air outlet, where the aerosol-forming substrate fluidly communicates with the article air inlet and the article air outlet.

The article housing may define a heater recess, where at least a portion of the heating element is received in the heater recess when the aerosol generator receives the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper wrapped around at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-generating articles with wrappers may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of about 30 mm to about 100 mm. Aerosol-generating articles may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 13 mm.

Aerosol-generating articles may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably about 7 millimeters long, but can have a length of about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

Aerosol-generating articles may have a diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 12 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of about 40 mm to about 50 mm. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a total length of approximately 45 millimeters. Aerosol-generating articles preferably have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

Here, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings below, but only as an example.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation section and the mouthpiece of the aerosol generator of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device recess in the aerosol generation section of FIG. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the first heating element in the aerosol generation section of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the heated portion of the plane of the heating element of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration of an aerosol generation section of the aerosol generators of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged perspective view of an aerosol-generating article for use in the aerosol generators of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. FIG. 12 shows a plan view of an alternative aerosol-generating article. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an unassembled state. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generator of FIG. 13 in the unassembled state. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the heating elements of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generator 10 includes a housing 12 that defines a device recess 14 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate 16 that includes a tobacco plug. The aerosol-forming substrate 16 may form part of the aerosol generator 10, and the aerosol generator 10 may be disposable after the aerosol-forming substrate 16 has been consumed. Alternatively, at least two parts of the housing 12 may be separable from each other to allow access to the device recess 14 for replacement of the aerosol-forming substrate 16.

Further, the aerosol generator 10 includes a heating element 18 extending across the end of the device recess 14, and the heating element 18 contains a plurality of metal nanoparticles. The light source 20 including the light emitting diode is arranged in the housing 12 so as to irradiate the heating element 18. A power supply 24 including a controller 22 and a battery is also arranged in the housing 12. The controller 22 is configured to control the power supply from the power supply 24 to the light source 20.

The aerosol generator 10 also includes an airflow inlet 26 defined by a housing 12 at the upstream end of the device recess 14 and a filter 28 that communicates fluid with the downstream end of the device recess 14. The downstream end of the filter 28 forms an airflow outlet 30.

During use, the controller 22 supplies power from the power source 24 to the light source 20 to irradiate the heating element 18. Irradiation of the heating element 18 results in heating of the heating element 18 by surface plasmon resonance of the metal nanoparticles. The heat from the heating element 18 heats the aerosol forming substrate 16 to generate an aerosol. When the user sucks the filter 28, the airflow enters the device recess 14 through the airflow inlet 26. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate 16 is mixed into the air flow through the device recess 14. The generated aerosol-containing airflow flows from the device recess 14 through the filter 28 and the airflow outlet 30, where it is inhaled by the user.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generator 100 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 shown in FIG. 1, and similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

The aerosol generator 100 comprises an annular light source 120 that is located in the apparatus recess 14 and extends around an annular heating element 118 that contains a plurality of metal nanoparticles. The aerosol-forming substrate 16 including the tobacco plug is received in the annular heating element 118.

During use, the controller 22 supplies power from the power source 24 to the annular light source 120 to irradiate the annular heating element 118. Irradiation of the annular heating element 118 results in heating of the annular heating element 118 by surface plasmon resonance of the metal nanoparticles. The heat from the annular heating element 118 heats the aerosol forming substrate 16 to generate an aerosol. When the user sucks the filter 28, the airflow enters the device recess 14 through the airflow inlet 26 and flows through the aerosol forming substrate 16. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate 16 is mixed into the air flow through the aerosol-forming substrate 16. The generated aerosol-containing airflow flows from the aerosol-forming substrate 16 through the filter 28 and the airflow outlet 30, where it is sucked by the user.

3 and 4 show perspective views of the aerosol generator 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generator 210 includes a power supply section 212, an aerosol generating section 214, and a mouthpiece 216.

The power supply section 212 includes a power source for supplying electric power to the components of the aerosol generation section 214. The aerosol generation section 214 includes a connector 218 for receiving the power supply section 212, and the connector 218 includes an electrical connector 220 for transmitting power from the power supply section 212 to the aerosol generation section 214.

Aerosol generation section 214 includes a pushbutton 222 to allow the user to turn the aerosol generator 210 on and off, and an electronic display 224 to provide visual feedback to the user. The aerosol generator 210 also includes a housing 225 defining the device recess 226 within the aerosol generating section 214 and a device recess 226 for receiving the aerosol generating article 228. During use, the aerosol generating article 228 is received in the device recess 226 so that the aerosol generator 210 and the aerosol generator 228 together form an aerosol generating system.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating section 214 and the mouthpiece 216. Aerosol generation section 214 further includes a controller 229 arranged to supply power from power supply section 212 to components within aerosol generation section 214. Aerosol generation section 214 also includes two airflow inlets 230 and one airflow outlet 232 that communicate fluids with each other through the device recess 226. During use, the aerosol generated in the device recess 226 is mixed into the airflow through the device recess 226 and exits the device recess 226 through the airflow outlet 232. The airflow passage 234 in the aerosol generation section 214 moves the airflow from the airflow outlet 232 to the mixing chamber 236 in the mouthpiece 216. The airflow from the mixing chamber 236 exits the mouthpiece 216 via the mouthpiece outlet 238 for delivery to the user.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the device recess 226. A first light source 240, a second light source 242, a first heating element 244 and a second heating element 246 are positioned in the device recess 226. When the aerosol-generating article 228 is received in the slot 247 in the device recess 226, the aerosol-generating article 228 is positioned between the first heating element 244 and the second heating element 246. The first light source 240 and the second light source 242 include a light emitting diode 248 and a diffuser 250 on the surface of the light emitting diode 248, respectively.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the first heating element 244. Only the first heating element 244 is described in detail, but of course the second heating element 246 is identical to the first heating element 244 in the embodiment shown in FIG.

The first heating element 244 includes a flat heating portion 252 and a supporting portion 254 in the form of a support skirt extending around the periphery of the flat heating portion 252. The support portion 254 is received in the housing 225 of the aerosol generator 210 and includes a mounting portion 256 for mounting the first heating element 244 in the device recess 225.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a flat heated portion 252 through a portion. The flat heating portion 252 comprises a substrate layer 258, a thermally conductive layer 260 located on the first surface of the substrate layer 258, and a coating layer 262 located on the second surface of the substrate layer 258. Including. The coating layer 262 contains a plurality of metal nanoparticles. The first heating element 244 is arranged such that the coating layer 262 faces the first light source 240. During use, the metal nanoparticles of the coating layer 262 receive light from the first light source 240 and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. The thermally conductive layer 260 facilitates the transfer of the heat generated by the coating layer 262 to the aerosol-generating article 228 received in the device recess 226. As a matter of course, the structure and function of the second heating element 246 and the second light source 242 are the same as the structures and functions described of the first heating element 244 and the first light source 240.

The planar heating portion 252 also includes a plurality of pores 264 that allow air to flow through the planar heating portion 252. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, during use, the airflow enters the aerosol generator 210 through the airflow suction port 230, passes through the planar heating portion 252 of the first heating element 244, and passes through the aerosol-generating article 228. It flows out of the device recess 226 through the airflow outlet 232 through the planar heating portion of the second heating element 246. The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating article 228 with the first heating element 244 and the second heating element 246 is mixed into the airflow as it flows through the aerosol-generating article 228. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the supporting portion 254 of the first heating element 244 and the second heating element 246 is non-porous to direct the airflow through the flat heating portion 252.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative arrangement of aerosol generation section 212 of the aerosol generator 210. The arrangement shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, and similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

The alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 9 differs in that there is no dedicated airflow inlet to the device recess 226. Alternatively, the open end 266 of the device recess 226 through which the aerosol generating article 228 can be inserted into the device recess 226 serves as an airflow inlet. As a result of the different positioning of the airflow inlets, the first heating element 244 includes a support portion 354 that is porous. The porous support portion 354 allows airflow to flow through the planar heating portion 252 of the first heating element 244 and the second heating element 246, and the aerosol-generating article 228 in the same manner as described with respect to FIG. Allows airflow to enter the device recess 226 and flow into the space between the first light source 240 and the first heating element 244.

10 and 11 show aerosol-generating articles 270 for use in the aerosol generator 210. The aerosol-generating article 270 comprises a base layer 272 that defines a substrate recess 274 extending through the base layer 272. The aerosol-forming substrate 276 containing tobacco is positioned within the substrate recess 274. The first porous cover layer 278 is on the first side of the base layer 272 and the second porous cover layer 280 is on the second side of the base layer 272. In the first porous cover layer 278 and the second porous cover layer 280, the aerosol-forming substrate 276 is positioned between the first cover layer 278 and the second porous cover layer 280, and is contained in the substrate recess 274. It is fixed to the base layer 272 so as to be held by. While using the aerosol-generating article 270 and the aerosol generator 210, the first heating element 244 and the second heating element 246 heat the aerosol-forming substrate 276 to generate an aerosol. The airflow from the planar heating portion 252 of the first heating element 244 to the planar heating portion of the second heating element 246 passes through the first porous cover layer 278 and the second porous cover layer 280, and the aerosol. It flows through the forming substrate 276 and mixes the aerosol generated in the airflow.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative aerosol generating article 370 for use in the aerosol generator 210. The aerosol-generating article 370 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 270, and similar reference numerals are used to specify similar parts.

The aerosol-generating article 370 comprises a base layer 272 that defines a plurality of substrate recesses 274. The first aerosol-forming substrate 376 contains a flavoring agent located within the first substrate recess 274. The second aerosol-forming substrate 377 containing the nicotine-containing liquid provided on the carrier material is positioned within the second substrate recess 274. The third aerosol-forming substrate 379 containing the aerosol-forming body is positioned within the third substrate recess 274. During use, the aerosols generated by the first aerosol-forming substrate 376, the second aerosol-forming substrate 377, and the third aerosol-forming substrate 379 are mixed into the airflow flowing through the aerosol-generating article 370. The different aerosols are mixed together in the airflow outlet 232, the airflow passage 234, and the mixing chamber 236 for delivery to the user as a combined aerosol.

Advantageously, generating heat by surface plasmon resonance can provide more localized heating compared to other heat generation methods such as resistance heating. Therefore, advantageously, the aerosol generator 210 is adapted to allow local and selective heating of the first aerosol-forming substrate 376, the second aerosol-forming substrate 377 and the third aerosol-forming substrate 379. Can be done. For example, an aerosol generator may be adapted such that at least one of a first light source 240 and a second light source 242 includes an array of LEDs. One or more first LEDs in the array of LEDs may correspond to the first region of the heated portion 252 of the plane corresponding to the first aerosol forming substrate 376. One or more second LEDs in the array of LEDs may correspond to a second region of the planar heating portion 252 corresponding to the second aerosol forming substrate 377. One or more third LEDs in the array of LEDs may correspond to a third region of the heated portion 252 of the plane corresponding to the third aerosol forming substrate 379. The controller 229 is configured to selectively supply power to the first LED, the second LED, the third LED and combinations thereof in response to user input received from a user input device such as pushbutton 222. Can be done. Using the pushbutton 222, the user can change the ratio of the aerosolized first aerosol-forming substrate 376, the second aerosol-forming substrate 377 and the third aerosol-forming substrate 379. In response to user input, controller 229 changes the total light output for each of the first, second and third LEDs to produce the desired aerosol ratio of the first aerosol forming substrate 376, second. It may provide the required heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 377 and the third aerosol-forming substrate 379. Advantageously, heating by surface plasmon resonance is faster than other heating mechanisms such as resistance heating, so the aerosol generator 210 can correct the aerosol generated in response to user input in real time. ..

For example, the user may use pushbutton 222 to request an increase in the amount of flavoring agent in the delivered aerosol. In response, controller 229 increases the power supply to the first LED to increase the heating of the first region of the flat heating portion 252, which increases the heating of the first aerosol-forming substrate 376. To do.

In another embodiment, the user may use pushbutton 222 to request a reduced amount of flavoring agent and an increased amount of nicotine. In response, the controller 229 reduces the power supply to the first LED, reduces the heating of the first region of the flat heating portion 252, reduces the heating of the first aerosol forming substrate 376, and , The power supply to the second LED is increased and the second region of the flat heating portion 252 is increased to increase the heating of the second aerosol forming substrate 377.

To simplify user interaction with the aerosol generator 210, the pushbutton 222 may be complemented or replaced with a different type of user input device, such as a touch screen.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, the aerosol generator 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 410 and a heating element 420. The main body 410 has a recess 440 arranged at one end. The recess 440 is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article 430 that includes a heating element 420 and a substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming substrate 432.

The recess has a cylindrical side wall 442 that extends from an opening 443 on the outer surface of the main body 410 of the device 400 to a recess base wall 444. The opening is also provided around the periphery of the recess base wall 444. This may allow the aerosol to flow along the passage 466 to the air outlet 464 of the device. The outlet 464 is provided to the mouthpiece 412 of the device.

The recess base wall 444 further includes a device light source 450 in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The device light source 450 is arranged in the main body 410 so as to receive electric power from the power source 470 in the form of a lithium ion battery. A controller 480 is also provided in the main body 410 of the device to control the power supply to the light source 450.

As best seen from FIG. 15, the heating element 420 includes an elongated body 422 with a first end 423a and a second end 423b, and a substantially cylindrical wall 424 is a number from the first end 423a. Extends to the second end 423b. The wall 424 of the elongated body 422 defines the light chamber 425 within the heating element 420. The light chamber 425 is located at the first end of the light chamber 425 via a first optical element 427 at the first end of the light chamber and an optical component 428 attached to and extending from the first end 423a of the elongated body 422. Can receive ambient light at one end.

The optical component 428 is in the form of a bulbous structure containing glass. The optical component 428 functions to increase the amount of ambient light that can be received through the first end 423a of the elongated body 422.

The first optical element 427 provides unidirectional light transfer, where ambient light enters the light chamber 425 through the first end 423a, but is reflected or absorbed through the first end. Leakage from chamber 425 is prevented. In particular, the first optical element 427 may be a glass substrate with a metal coating, which reflects any light incident on the surface of the element 427 facing the light chamber 425.

The second end 423b of the heating element is provided with an open or transparent transverse wall to allow light to enter the light chamber 425 through the second end 423b. As described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 14, such light may come from the device light source 450 of the main body 410 of the device when the heating element 420 is inserted into the recess 440.

The inner surface of the wall 424 of the elongated body 422 of the heating element 420 comprises one or more portions having a coating containing a plurality of metal nanoparticles. When light is incident on a plurality of metal nanoparticles, heat is generated by surface plasmon resonance of the metal nanoparticles. Such heat can be used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 432 of the aerosol-generating article 430 when the heating element 420 is adjacent to the article 430.

The optical chamber 425 of the heating element 420 includes a second optical element 426, which in the first embodiment is in the form of a conical structure, the widest of which is at the second end 423b of the elongated body 422. Has an edge. The second optical element is arranged so as to divert light towards the inner surface of the wall 424, more specifically towards the plurality of metal nanoparticles on the wall 424. The second optical element 426 divides the light chamber 425 into two sections, a first section and a second section. A reflective coating is provided on the second optical element 426 such that ambient light received through the first end 423a and incident on the optical element 426 is reflected toward the inner surface of the wall 424. This helps ensure that light received through the first end of the light chamber 423a is not lost through the second end of the light chamber. Further, the light received through the second end 423b of the optical chamber 425 may pass through the second optical element 426 and into the first section of the optical chamber 425, of the second optical element 426. It is preferably distributed towards the inner surface of the wall 424 by a conical shape. Once the light enters the first section of the light chamber 425, it leaks out of the first section of the light chamber 425 by the reflective coating on the first optical element 427 and the reflective coating on the second optical element 426. Is virtually prevented. This helps increase the amount of light received by the multiple metal nanoparticles on the inner surface of the wall 424.

The heating element 420 also includes a flange 429 extending laterally from the first end of the elongated body 422. As shown in FIG. 14, the flange is arranged so as to cover the peripheral region of the opening 443 of the recess 440 when the heating element 420 is disposed in the recess 440. The flange includes one or more openings that act as air inlets 462. These allow air to flow into the recess 440 when the device 400 is in use.

As best seen from FIG. 14, when the device 400 is used, the heating element 420 is inserted into the recess 440 of the main body 410. An aerosol-generating article 430 containing an aerosol-forming substrate 432 is arranged around the outside of the heating element 420. The second end 423b of the elongated body 422 abuts on the base 444 of the recess 440 and the flange 429 is placed above the end of the housing of the main body 410, which edge defines the opening 443 of the recess 444. .. The device light source 450 is arranged to radiate light into the light chamber 425 via the second end 423b of the elongated body 422 of the heating element 420. When in the assembled state shown in FIG. 14, the airflow path extends from the air inlet 462 of the flange 429 of the heating element 420 to the air outlet 464 of the mouthpiece 412 of the main body 410 of the device. The airflow path is from the air inlet 462 along the annular space defined between the outer surface of the wall 424 of the elongated body 420 and the inner surface of the recess 442, the opening 446 of the base wall 444 of the recess 440. And extends along the passage 466 including the Venturi portion 465 until it reaches the air outlet 464.

The aerosol-forming substrate 432 of the aerosol-generating article 430 can be heated by the wall 424 of the heating element 420 so that the aerosol is formed as air passes through the space in which the aerosol-generating article 430 is located. Heat can be generated by surface plasmon resonance on the wall 424 of the heating element 420, but surface plasmon resonance occurs when light is incident on a plurality of metal nanoparticles disposed on the inner surface of the wall 424. Heat may be generated solely by ambient light received through the first end of the heating element 420. Alternatively, heat may be generated by a combination of ambient light received through the first end of the heating element 420 and light received from the device light source 450 through the second end of the heating element 420. .. The light from the light source 450 may be initiated by the controller 480 issuing a command from the power supply source 470 to supply power to the power source 450.

Claims (19)

An aerosol generator for heating an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generator
A heating element arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received by the aerosol generator, and is arranged to receive light from a light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. An aerosol generator comprising a heating element containing a plurality of metal nanoparticles. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, further comprising a light source, wherein the heating element receives light from the light source and is arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. The aerosol generator according to claim 2, wherein the light source is configured to emit light including at least one wavelength of 380 nanometers to 700 nanometers. The aerosol generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the light source is configured for a peak emission wavelength of 495 nanometers to 580 nanometers. The aerosol generator according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the light source includes at least one of a light emitting diode and a laser. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light sources, and at least one of the light sources is arranged so as to irradiate only a part of the plurality of metal nanoparticles. Power source and
The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a controller configured to control the power supply from the power supply source to the light source. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles contain at least one of gold, silver, platinum and copper. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles contain a number average maximum diameter of less than 150 nanometers. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element includes a substrate layer and a coating layer on at least a part of the substrate layer, and the coating layer contains the plurality of metal nanoparticles. 10. The tenth aspect of the invention, wherein the coating layer is positioned on a first surface of the substrate layer, and the first surface of the substrate layer comprises at least one of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses. Aerosol generator. The aerosol generator according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the coating layer contains a plurality of individual regions of metal nanoparticles, and the plurality of individual regions are interposed for each other on the substrate layer. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heating element is arranged so as to receive electric power and resistance-heat the heating element. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a part of the heating element is porous. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a recess for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Claim that the heating element defines the recess at least partially so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the recess, at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is received adjacent to the heating element. 15. The aerosol generator according to 15. The aerosol generator according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least a part of the heating element extends into the recess. Storage part and
The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the storage portion. Aerosol generation system
The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

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